Top 27 Creative Business Sign Ideas & Examples

According to Signs.org, great signage design goes beyond telling your customers where to find you. It also gives them an idea of what your business is all about. Good design and construction are important to communicate this message with limited space, but the task doesn’t need to feel overwhelming or overly complicated.

To help you get started, here are 27 business sign ideas and examples that will get you noticed and drive sales.

Add digital displays to your storefront or turn your window into a rotating ad, advertise new promotions and special discounts with eye-catching digital displays ideal for high foot traffic areas at the touch of a button.

Mira Screen Signage provides free hardware and intuitive software that makes it easy to turn any TV into a digital sign for as little as $24 per month, per screen.

If you want your company to stand out, electronic signs are a great way to do it. Programmable, personable and futuristic, these signs can communicate multiple messages without needing to print off a different sign.

Shop owners should always have persuasive signage or point-of-purchase signs in everywhere in their store. These signs have a direct impact on a customer’s buying decision as it answers most of their concerns. It can be a discount, promotion and reminders for return and alteration options that they might not know about.

A-frames are freestanding signs that are versatile and inexpensive. Choose between wood or plastic material depending on your requirements or budget. There are also add-on options like the sign rider in the example where you have a smaller sign placed on top.

Floor signs happen to be a very effective marketing strategy. People are so used to looking upward or forward and be bombarded with different images, so it tends to be quite a refreshing treat to look down. There is also the interactive factor that some business owners overlook. Use floor signs and mats to lead customers to your door.

Roll-up banners and standees are made of lightweight materials so they can transport easily. This makes them suitable for trade shows, fairs and other special events. Add a standee outside your shop to advertise promotions, discounts or share your business vision to promote your brand.

Flag banners are versatile. They can be used both indoor and outdoor and are easy to move around. The material used for the flag itself is durable and weather-resistant, so it maintains the bright colors important to attract the attention of pedestrians. The pole is lightweight and includes a ground stake to secure on grass or soil.

For a more detailed and almost maintenance-free option, you can go with window lettering and graphics. Choose from vinyl or decals and have your graphics professionally designed to get your message across. It also lets your store have enough privacy without blocking out too much natural light.

As the name implies, directional or wayfinding signs are meant to direct people to a destination. They can be found at the sides of roads and in hospitals and malls. Businesses should have this type of signage if their location is not immediately visible by the roadside. Make sure to use bright brand colors for easy recognition even from a distance.

From trade shows to open house signs, temporary signage can represent your business and help to lead potential customers to it.

Once you’ve got your design finalized, make sure that your signage is professionally printed with Vistaprint. Vistaprint is the printer of choice for small businesses with its affordable price and great turnaround time.

Metal signs can give your audience a more memorable image of your business. They are strong and durable and quite versatile as it can be both used outdoors and indoors. Metal signs can be simple, painted or rusted on purpose to complement your business concept and brand.

Versatility also extends to these types of signs. Three-dimensional signs are not limited to letters. This example shows how the design incorporates 3D art to give the signage an extra pop. The design makes your business stand out and your brand more memorable to people.

These are acrylic, 3D individual letters are mostly used for storefronts as their modern design makes them easy to stand out for people to see. They usually have built-in LED lighting as well. The combination of size, colors and designs, along with the lighting effects, makes this versatile as indoor and outdoor signage.

Cabinet signs — also called wall or box signs — are the more cost-effective type of outdoor signage. They usually include fluorescent or led lights to make sure they are visible constantly — even in low light. They’re easier to scale and design, so they fit for any budget.

Illuminated signs are only lit in the evenings. At daytime, they look like any traditional storefront sign. This makes it more economical compared to backlit signs and works well for businesses that want a more traditional feel to their brand.

When done right, back-lit signs stand out and are easy to recall. Backlit signs use light and electricity day and night, regardless of where they’re installed, so they can be more expensive. This example shows how the right design can be both simple and memorable and help boost brand awareness.

Awnings give your business storefront a classy look. They are great as a complement to channel letter signage and window decals. This example shows how awning signage can hold its own for a shop, with additional lighting to make for an attractive storefront.

Flag mount signs are also commonly known as blade signs. These are signs that hang perpendicular to a building’s wall and are meant to guide potential customers to find your store. This example shows how an unlit blade sign can look classy and stand out. You can also try adding a mood lighting to keep the classic, elegant mood in the evenings.

Canopies are made of canvas and are a wider version of awnings, meant to provide shelter for customers. The size of canopies stands out naturally and is ideal for adding your business name and logo. In this example, notice how a large canopy sign frames the establishment’s doorway while awnings are used as accents for the windows.

Pole signs are the simpler version of a pylon sign. Unlike monoliths, the pole is usually bare and coated with paint. Smart business owners can maximize visibility by being creative with the signage. A unique shape, great copy and stand=out colors can make a simple pole sign stand out on the roadside easily.

These are large format and digitally printed outdoor signs found alongside busy roads or used by construction companies along the perimeter of their construction site. Their objective is to ensure they’re highly visible and memorable for drivers and pedestrians on the go.

If you want something that’s customizable and you’re not too concerned about using images, reader boards are for you. You’ll find them used mainly by schools and churches but work well for marketing other businesses as well. Aside from the messaging, you can also be creative with how you frame and install your reader board.

Monument signs are usually used to announce entryways for large properties. The distinct characteristic of this type of sign is that it’s large and low to the ground. They can be as elaborate as to include masonry and landscaping details, but they can also be made out metal, wood and even carved foam.

These are large, standalone signs meant to attract attention from far away. The sign is supported by dual poles that are usually hidden and can be used by a single company as in the example or multiple businesses in front of a commercial type building. It can also be used with a combination of other signage types like led lighting and electronic messaging boards.

A marquee sign is a type of architectural signage used for large buildings with lots of lighting and lavishly designed. They are commonly found in theaters, casinos and other entertainment-related businesses. Smaller businesses can scale the size of this type of signage and still attract as much attention from pedestrians and drivers alike.

Vehicle wraps are great for food trucks and delivery vehicles. They can give your business recognition just by making its way every day up and down the neighborhood. Make sure to come up with a design that brings a strong branding and messaging. Like billboards, you should include your phone number and address that can be seen by more potential customers.

Over to You

Deciding on the type of signage to use for your business can be stressful. Use our list of signage design to help you narrow down your choices and maximize your return on investment.

Did we miss out on your favorite business sign ideas? Share them with us in the comments.

About the Author

Anna Lynn Dizon is a staff writer for Fit Small Business, contributing to our sales, marketing, and real estate sections. Her experience in business and finance led her to work for a US risk mitigation company in its regional office in Singapore. Anna holds a degree in accountancy and is currently working towards her master’s in language and literacy education.

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